Weekly cyclophosphamide and alternate-day prednisone: an effective secondary therapy in multiple myeloma

Cancer Treat Rep. 1987 Oct;71(10):981-2.

Abstract

Intravenous or oral cyclophosphamide, 150-250 mg/m2 (500 mg maximum), once per week with alternate-day oral prednisone, 100 mg, was given to 57 myeloma patients resistant to melphalan and prednisone (MP). Seven responses in 28 primary MP-resistant patients and ten responses in 29 secondary MP-resistant patients were observed. Previous response to MP was not a significant factor in predicting response to weekly cyclophosphamide and alternate-day prednisone. The results suggest that the regimen of weekly cyclophosphamide and alternate-day prednisone may be as effective as more aggressive regimens in the treatment of patients with myeloma who have failed MP therapy. However, a randomized trial would be required to determine the relative contributions of cyclophosphamide and prednisone to the effectiveness of this regimen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Drug Resistance
  • Humans
  • Melphalan / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Melphalan
  • Prednisone